[Strawbale] code required vapor retarder

[Jon Van Eck]

Here in Michigan we have what is called the "R104.11 ALTERNATIVE
MATERIALS, DESIGN AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPMENT" code. I
don't know if you live in Michigan or not but perhaps your area has a
code like this that you could site.  The code basically says that if you
have gone to the trouble of having your design approved (and I'm
assuming they mean by an Architect/Engineer), and "the building official
finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the
intent of the provisions of the code, and that the material, method, or
work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of
that prescribed in the code"...then they will approve it! There is also
a rider code to this called "R104.11.1 TESTS" which says that the
building official has the right to require tests of materials/methods in
order to substantiate claims.  These tests can be tests that were
already conducted through recognized and excepted test methods or test
methods approved by the building official.  Using this provision you
could site studies that are available such as:

http://www.ecobuildnetwork.org/pdfs/Thermal_properties.pdf

http://www.ecobuildnetwork.org/pdfs/Winery_Monitoring.pdf

http://www.ecobuildnetwork.org/pdfs/Straube_Moisture_Tests.pdf
  
Or what I have contemplated doing if this type of situation ever arose,
is taking all of the available SB building codes to the building board
of appeals to show what has been adopted around North America and
elsewhere and diplomatically suggesting they adopt such a code.

Hope this helps,
~ Jon Van Eck




-----Original Message-----
From: strawbale-bounces at listserv.repp.org
[mailto:strawbale-bounces at listserv.repp.org] On Behalf Of
Wayneapple at aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 8:21 AM
To: Strawbale at listserv.repp.org
Subject: [Strawbale] code required vapor retarder

Hi,
I just got hit with a code official requiring a vapor retarder(MBC
1403.3) 
"Vapor retarder. An approved vapor retarder shall be provided.
    Exceptions:
                    1) where other approved means to avoid condensation
and 
leakage of moisture are provided.
                    2) Plain and reinforced concrete or masonry exterior

walls designed and constructed in
accodance with 
Chapter 19 or 21 respectively."
 
What do you think is the best way to get around this? We were planning
on 
using earth plaster on interior and exterior with a lime plaster final
coat on 
the exterior. 
 
I will try to argue "1)" but that seems a stretch.
I really don't want to use a vapor barrier latex paint on the interior.
 
Any sugestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
Thanks,
 
 
Wayne



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